Well that wasnt too shabby, was it? I wonder what Harry Redknapp thought of that?
Croatia 1-4 England. A result I dont think anyone saw coming. I certainly didnt. I could only see a 0-0 draw, with sound defence being the order of the day. I'd have taken it, if offered. 4-1? I'd have snapped your hand off.
Being totally honest, before the match I wasnt too confident. The inclusion of Theo Walcott was something I found bizarre in such a high pressure game, and in the first 25 minutes, my decision looked to be vindicated. His first touch was poor, and Walcott was struggling to get into the game. With Capello being as ruthless as he is, it wouldnt have been a suprise to see Walcott hauled off in the early stages of the game.
And that's why Capello is paid the big bucks. To make the big decisions.
In the end, Walcott stayed on, and the decision paid dividends. Walcott was outstanding, with his blistering pace, clever movement, and clinical finishing causing Croatia no end of problems. It was his big chance, and how he took it with three fantastic goals.
But it wasn't just the Theo Walcott show. Everyone played their part, from the composure of Rio Ferdinand at the back to the tidy and assured job of Gareth Barry in the holding role. Emile Heskey was also a real handful; drawing fouls, working hard for the team with some unselfish play, and even having a hand in one of the goals.
Even Frank Lampard looked remotely useful in an England shirt.
One thing is for sure - this was an England side with balance, and it's no suprise to see it all click into place.
It's now clear we need to play with a target-man. Gerrard and Lampard never could play together - a holding midfielder who can pass the ball well is required. And David Beckham's time has come and gone.
It's not rocket science. In fact, it's all glaringly obvious.
However, as tempting as it may be (and it certainly will be if the national press has anything to do with it) - we cant afford to get carried away with this result.
The first goal came from a lucky deflection, whatever way we look at it. Things could have went a lot differently should Croatia clear their lines properly - the game was evenly poised at that point. The Croatians going down to 10 men did England no harm at all, also. But more importantly, there's a long, long way to go in this qualifying campaign. There is much work to be done.
You have to feel tonight's result would set the tone for the rest of Capello's reign. Win or draw and things would be rosy. Lose and the pressure was on already. And things certainly do look positive.
It's not a result that makes up for the travesty of failing to qualify for Euro 2008, far from it. But it's something to build on for the future, something to be optimistic about, something to smile about, even.
And that in itself is rather pleasing.
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